The Hook Leg and Take Back represents one of the most reliable transitions from buggy choke control when opponents attempt to escape by sitting to guard. This technique exploits the fundamental defensive error of creating hip exposure during the sit-up motion, transforming the opponent’s escape attempt into a high-percentage back take opportunity. The transition embodies the principle that sophisticated attack systems create branching decision trees where every defensive response opens different offensive pathways.
The technical foundation relies on timing the leg hook insertion precisely as the opponent’s hip rises during the sitting motion. Unlike static back takes that require setting up multiple control points sequentially, this transition capitalizes on the dynamic moment when the opponent voluntarily compromises their hip defense. The harness grip maintained from buggy choke position provides the upper body anchor that makes the hook insertion possible without sacrificing control.
Strategically, this technique represents the positional advancement pathway within the buggy choke attack system. When opponents recognize the immediate choking threat and prioritize escaping to guard over remaining static, the Hook Leg and Take Back punishes this defensive choice with an even more dominant position. Understanding this transition elevates the buggy choke from a single-path attack to a branching system where the opponent’s defensive selection determines which dominant outcome you achieve.
From Position: Buggy Choke (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
- Maintain harness grip throughout the transition to anchor upper body control while legs adjust for hook insertion
- Time the hook insertion precisely as opponent’s near hip rises during the sit-up motion to catch the optimal entry window
- Drive chest forward following opponent’s sitting movement to prevent space creation and maintain pressure during transition
- Insert near-side hook first while keeping far-side leg ready to follow once initial hook secures hip control
- Use opponent’s momentum against them by flowing with their sitting direction rather than resisting or stalling
- Keep head tight to opponent’s far shoulder throughout transition to prevent rotational escapes during position change
Prerequisites
- Buggy choke control established with threading arm deep under opponent’s armpit and second grip secured
- Opponent initiating sit-up motion or showing intention to turn toward guard recovery
- Harness grip must be secure enough to follow opponent’s movement without losing upper body connection
- Your hips positioned close to opponent’s hips to minimize distance needed for hook insertion
- Chest-to-back connection maintained preventing opponent from creating separation during sitting attempt
Execution Steps
- Recognize trigger: Identify the moment opponent begins sitting to guard by feeling hip elevation, weight shift toward their base, or intentional movement away from turtle position toward sitting posture
- Maintain harness connection: Tighten harness grip (seatbelt) by pulling elbows toward your centerline, ensuring upper body control remains intact as you transition from turtle top to following the sitting movement
- Follow with chest: Drive your chest forward staying glued to opponent’s back as they sit, preventing any gap from forming between your chest and their spine while your weight flows in their movement direction
- Insert near-side hook: As opponent’s near hip elevates during sitting, immediately insert your near-side leg with foot hooked inside their thigh, securing the primary hip control point that prevents rotation
- Complete with second hook: Once first hook is secure and controlling hip, bring your far-side leg around to insert second hook inside opponent’s opposite thigh, completing the hooks-in back control configuration
- Establish back control: Adjust your position with both hooks deep, chest connected, and harness grip intact; ensure opponent’s shoulders stay elevated and begin standard back control attack methodology
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Back Control | 65% |
| Failure | Buggy Choke | 25% |
| Counter | Half Guard | 10% |
Opponent Counters
- Opponent immediately reclines backward to pin your back to mat and limit hook insertion angles (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Anticipate backward pressure and swim your head to opposite shoulder side, using momentum to rotate toward crucifix or maintain top pressure through sprawl → Leads to Buggy Choke
- Opponent hand-fights aggressively on your harness grip to strip control before hooks can be inserted (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Tighten harness by pulling elbows inward and use body weight to drive forward, making grip stripping ineffective against structural pressure → Leads to Buggy Choke
- Opponent turns into you quickly rather than sitting away, attempting to face you and recover guard (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the turn with your chest, transitioning to gift wrap arm control if they turn, or switch to darce configuration if neck angle presents → Leads to Half Guard
- Opponent extends far leg to post and prevent complete transition, maintaining distance (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Continue with near-side hook only and use that anchor to progressively work for second hook, or transition to body triangle on the controlled side → Leads to Back Control
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the primary goal of Hook Leg and Take Back? A: The primary goal is to capitalize on opponent’s escape attempt from buggy choke by transitioning to back control when they sit to guard. This transforms their defensive action into a pathway to an even more dominant position, punishing the escape with positional advancement rather than allowing guard recovery.
Q2: What is the optimal timing for inserting the first hook? A: The optimal timing is precisely as the opponent’s near hip elevates during their sitting motion. This moment creates the hip space needed for hook insertion while the harness grip keeps upper body control intact. Attempting too early reveals intention and allows defense; too late allows guard recovery completion.
Q3: Why must harness grip be maintained throughout the entire transition? A: The harness grip serves as the anchor that makes hook insertion possible without losing upper body connection. Releasing it prematurely allows opponent to feel control loss and either return to defensive turtle or explosively escape to guard before hooks establish. The harness provides the stability foundation for lower body adjustments.
Q4: Your opponent begins sitting but immediately reclines backward to pin you - how do you adjust? A: Anticipate the backward pressure and swim your head to the opposite shoulder side. Use the momentum of their backward motion to rotate toward crucifix position, or maintain top pressure through a sprawling action. Do not fight the backward motion directly as this commits you to a disadvantageous angle.
Q5: What determines whether to complete with second hook or transition to body triangle? A: If the second hook insertion is blocked by opponent’s leg positioning or active hand fighting but the first hook is secure, transition to body triangle on the controlled side. Body triangle provides superior control from single-leg contact and eliminates the fight for second hook. Complete second hook only when space permits without losing first hook security.
Q6: How does chest position affect transition success rate? A: Chest must stay glued to opponent’s back throughout the transition with constant forward drive following their movement direction. Separation creates space for opponent to turn and face you, recover guard, or strip harness grip with improved leverage. The chest connection prevents positional gaps during the vulnerable transition phase.
Q7: Why is recognizing the hip elevation trigger critical for this technique? A: Hip elevation during the sitting motion creates the only high-percentage window for hook insertion. Before elevation, the hip blocks entry; after completion, opponent has established guard position. Recognizing this trigger through proprioception allows precisely timed insertion that catches optimal entry without revealing intention prematurely.
Q8: What common defensive tell indicates opponent is about to sit to guard? A: Weight shift toward their posting arm or base, intentional head movement looking toward guard recovery direction, relaxation of the neck defense focus, and hip positioning that prepares for rotation all indicate sitting intention. Reading these tells allows pre-positioning for the transition before opponent commits to the escape.
Q9: Your opponent strips your choking grip during the sit-up but you still have the seatbelt - what is your best option? A: Abandon the choke attempt and commit fully to the back take. With the seatbelt intact you still have sufficient upper body control to follow their movement and insert hooks. The choking grip is not required for the back take; the seatbelt alone anchors the transition. Prioritize hook insertion over re-establishing the choke during the dynamic sitting phase.
Q10: What is the direction of force you should apply with your chest during the transition? A: The force must follow the opponent’s movement direction, driving forward and slightly downward as they sit. You are not pushing them back into turtle but rather flowing with their sitting momentum while maintaining zero space between your chest and their back. The forward drive prevents gap creation and keeps your weight loaded onto their spine throughout.
Q11: If your first hook is in but opponent grabs your foot with both hands to strip it, what chain attack opens up? A: When opponent dedicates both hands to stripping your hook, their neck becomes completely undefended. Immediately re-engage the choking grip since their hand fighting on your foot means zero neck protection. Alternatively, use the distraction to switch to a gift wrap on whichever arm is reaching lowest, trapping it and completing the back take with arm control instead of hooks.
Q12: What entry conditions must exist before you can attempt this transition? A: You must have established buggy choke control with a secure harness grip and chest-to-back connection. The opponent must be initiating a sit-up or guard recovery motion that creates hip elevation. Your hips must be close enough to the opponent’s hips that hook insertion distance is minimal. Without these conditions, attempting the transition results in positional loss.
Safety Considerations
This technique carries relatively low injury risk when performed correctly as the transition involves positional movement rather than joint locks or chokes. Primary safety concerns include avoiding excessive pressure on opponent’s lower back during the sitting transition phase, and ensuring smooth hook insertion that does not catch toes on opponent’s clothing or create knee torque. Training partners should communicate if hook insertion causes discomfort in hip flexors. Practitioners with existing knee issues should focus on the body triangle variant rather than forcing deep hook insertion when resistance is high. Always control the descent when following opponent’s sitting motion to prevent landing heavily on their back.